Camphill Scotland calls on Peers to back social care amendment

Camphill Scotland, the Alliance of Health and Social Care Scotland and our partners are calling on Peers from all parties and groupings in the House of Lords to support Amendment (No.353) which has been tabled by the Liberal Democrat Peers Lord Nicol Stephen and Baroness Jolly, and by the Crossbench Peer Lord Warner.

This amendment would require the UK Government to make arrangements for an independent evaluation of the impact of the European Union (Withdrawal) legislation and of Brexit upon the health and social care sectors across the 4 Nations. This would be made after consulting the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department, service providers, those requiring health and social care services, and others.

Purpose of the amendment

Our organisations believe this Amendment is necessary to determine the full impact of the legislation and of Brexit upon the health and social care sector across the 4 Nations, including the care and support for people with disabilities, for children and young people, for people with long term conditions and other support needs. This, in turn, will help to ensure that the strategic planning and decision making of Governments, local authorities, the third sector, trade unions, the health and social care sectors and other key agencies across the UK, in relation to the impact of Brexit on the health and social care sector in their respective nations, is fully informed and shaped by robust evidence.

Background to the amendment

• An amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill designed to help safeguard health and social care post Brexit was previously tabled by Joanna Cherry MP on behalf of Camphill Scotland, the Alliance of Health and Social Care Scotland and our partners, totalling 59 organisations across the UK.  The  Amendment received cross party support in the House of Commons, and was narrowly defeated on 20 December by 318 votes to 294 votes
• The proposed amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is UK-wide, and focuses on the potential impact of Brexit upon the health and social care sectors across the 4 Nations
• Read the briefing paper in support of the amendment
• The amendment will be debated on Monday 26 February in the first group of amendments to be debated, along with Amendments Nos. 9 and 205

To find out more

Please contact Robert McGeachy, Policy and Engagement Manager, by e-mail (robert@camphillscotland.org.uk), or by phone 07825 149 005, if you require more information, or would like to discuss this matter further.